'Skins' producer promises less darkness

The producer of Skins has promised that series five of the drama will have more "silliness" and "fun" than series four.

Earlier this year, some fans reacted angrily to the decision to brutally kill off the character of Freddie (Luke Pasqualino), while the programme's executive producer also admitted that the series should have been less depressing.

Now, Skins producer Matt Strevens has assured viewers that the upcoming series will not be as dark as the last run.

"Things were heavier in the last series because the characters were older and had bigger things to deal with," he told The Sun. "But with the new cast, they are younger and we can have some fun with them. We want to bring more of its silliness back in."

However, Alexander Arnold, who plays heavy metal fan Rich Hardbeck, said that the show would still be as gritty as ever.

"It is still dark in places," he insisted. "It isn't a political show - it is just a representation of youth culture. We lay out scenes that viewers can relate to."

The new series of Skins begins on January 27 at 10pm on E4.

> Ooh, a new Skins trailer has arrived!